Rare snowfall hits the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert hasn't seen snowfall in 37 years, yet this is the second time this year locals have been grace with snow capped dunes.

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Geoff Robinson

A group of people messing around in the snowfall that has hit the Sahara Desert

“These will also be accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures, and a significant wind chill.

“These cold, wintery conditions are then expected to continue Wednesday, and likely beyond, however confidence is low regarding any details at this stage.

“A further updates and extension to this alert is therefore expected on Monday.”

Although sunny spells for most of the country today are pushing temperatures up to around 5C, a teeth-chattering wind chill is making it feel like 0C.

And a frost, set to descend on the UK tonight, will pave the way for a bitterly cold -2C start on Sunday morning.

Warnings have been issued over exposure to freezing weather, especially for the elderly, very young or people with health conditions.

NETWEATHER

COVERED: Nearly the whole of the UK will be covered in snow next Tuesday

Britain battles the BIG FREEZE: Snowfalls and ice as UK braves -11C

Heavy snow has blanketed Britain as temperatures drop to –11C. The UK has been issued with a MET Office weather warning.

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PA

Lorries are parked on the A66 during a blizzard in Durham

PHE’s Dr Thomas Waite said it could even lead to death.

The PHE Extreme Events team expert said: “Cold temperatures, indoors and out, pose real health risks to many and every winter we know that thousands of people get ill and even die following exposure to cold conditions.

“As forecasters tell us next week temperatures will fall, it’s critical that if you know anyone over 65, with young children or who has heart or lung conditions, that you keep an eye on them and think what help they may need.

“Staying warm by heating your home to at least 18°C can be crucial to stay well.”

The Met Office warns next Tuesday especially, and next Friday, could see the worst of the weather.

It predicts “significant snow” will cover Britain on both days causing major travel disruption.